Brendan Kelly will be the first to tell you he was never a huge fan of the recruiting process.

But after decommitting from Minnesota and giving his new verbal to the University of Wisconsin in mid-November, the three-star defensive line prospect is ready to begin his career as a Badger, thanks in large part to the UW coaching staff.

"I was really impressed with the coaching staff and the way they recruit, all of them are down to earth. What you see is what you get," said Kelly, who stands 6-foot-6 and now weighs around 234 pounds. "They never promised me any playing time. I have to come in and earn it. They always speak the truth and that's what I like about them."

After a 6-4 finish to his senior year in which he registered 18 sacks and over 100 tackles at Eden Prairie (Minn.) Holy Angels, Kelly appears confident he can step in and make an impact in his first year on campus.

"I'm physically prepared, but it's a different mental game," Kelly said. "The coaching staff never said, 'you're going to come in and redshirt.' Personally, I think I'm ready, but the coaching staff is going to take a look at everybody in the summer and see what we can do."

Kelly is one of three known committed defensive ends in the 2008 recruiting class, with Tyler Westphal and Anthony Mains rounding out the final two spots.

Zach Davison, who also has the ability to play on the defensive line, is now expected to enter camp at tight end for UW.

Three senior ends, Kurt Ware, Brandon Kelly and Jamil Walker must be replaced next season, meaning the chance to play immediately in 2008 is realistic for all three incoming freshmen.

"Competition brings out the best in everyone," Kelly said. "It's always good to have someone pushing you along. I'm looking forward to competing with some of the other freshmen. I think it's going to be good for everyone".

While most of the 2008 Badger recruiting class was in town for their official visit on the weekend of Dec. 7, Kelly elected to take his earlier. Despite this, he still has been able to establish a few relationships.

"I'm pretty tight with Joe Schafer and Patrick Butrym," Kelly said. "I actually talk to those guys quite a bit. I took my visit a lot earlier than most of their commitments.

"I missed out on the big recruiting weekend with the banquet and stuff, but I'm not worried about it, I'm sure I'll get along with all the guys."

Even with an early exit from the playoffs, the focus on football never ended for Kelly, it actually just kicked into high gear.

"Right now I'm training with Mark Ellis," Kelly said. "He runs a football specific facility in Eden Prairie. All of the local guys train there. I'm not playing any winter or spring sports because it's always football season.

"I'm always getting ready for football."

Kelly is one of 23 known verbal commitments in the 2008 class.